The sanitary equipment market is full of various models of mixers, which are quite difficult for a simple consumer to understand without the help of specialists. All of them differ in design, design, functionality. The huge choice of the model line is explained not only by the competition of manufacturers, but also by the increase in the range of bathtubs.
In this article, we will look at German-made bathroom faucets.
Let's make a reservation right away that today new mounting methods have appeared, which also affected the design of equipment. Therefore, before choosing German faucets for the sink in the bathroom, you should decide directly on the model of the bathtub, the method of supplying water to it and the method of its installation. In the usual replacement of an old model, you can simply purchase a similar new device or prefer a moreperfect option.
Classification
All models currently sold in stores can be divided into 4 main groups according to the control method:
- Two Valves
- Single lever.
- Sensor faucets.
- Mixers-thermostats.
Two-valve German bathroom sink faucets, presented in the form of a faucet and 2 valves designed to regulate the supply of hot and cold water, dominated the sanitary ware market in the recent past. But single-lever models, which are more advanced in design, were able to push out the outdated competitor. Currently, single-handle faucets are popular with customers who appreciate the beauty of design, ease of installation and ease of use.
In the design of German-made single-lever bathroom faucets, the regulating mechanism is called the cartridge. This technical unit is considered the most vulnerable point in the device, because it can break down over time due to poor water quality. The presence of rust in the water, scale and metal particles, sand is due to insufficient cleaning and deterioration of the networks. Installing water purification filters will extend the life of a single-lever faucet.
Benefits of sensor mixers and thermostats
In the Russian market, single-lever models have also recently had competitors called thermostatic mixers. They stand out from other devices because of:
- reliabilitydesigns;
- stylish design;
- operating comfort level;
- safety application.
Such German bathroom faucets are made in the form of a panel, on which there are handles. At the same time, one of them makes it possible to adjust the water supply temperature, which will be maintained until the settings are changed again. Another handle is needed to turn the water off and on.
The main function of thermostats is considered to be a safety stopper - users of the device, when turned on, are protected from possible burns, since the flow of water with a temperature of more than 38 degrees is impossible here. And by disabling this function, you can get hot water. In addition, the thermostat protects the person from getting too cold water from the tap. This functionality is especially interesting for families with children. Safer and better faucets at an affordable price simply cannot be found at the moment.
Touch models
The next advanced model is considered to be touch-sensitive, in which the design does not provide for the presence of levers and valves. True, if you are interested in how to disassemble a German bathroom faucet, then in this case it is almost impossible.
Due to a special sensor that is built into the body of this device, water is turned on when an object of a certain size is near the tap. In this case, after the object disappears from the coverage area, the water is turned off. Such faucets are usually installed in the toilets of cinemas, hypermarkets, offices, restaurants and other institutions.
With this type of faucet, you can provide a fairly economical water consumption. Moreover, for homeowners who have installed cold and hot water meters, this device will significantly reduce the cost of housing and communal services.
Benefits of the universal faucet
In small bathrooms, plumbing is often installed at close range. It is convenient to use a universal German bath faucet with a long spout (30 centimeters or more).
Basically, they can be used simultaneously in the bathtub and sink, you just need to turn the spout in the desired direction. But the demand for this type of faucet is falling every year, since new models of this equipment come with strictly separated functionality, which ensures the proper quality of work and the comfort of using the device.
Which material do you prefer?
The main number of models offered by manufacturers is made of brass and chrome. Devices made from these metals, as well as their combinations, are considered the most convenient and reliable.
Often, brass models are coated with a special enamel or nickel, while the product acquires a brilliant beautiful shade. But you need to understand that the enamel coating during operation can be damaged, and this will negatively affect the appearance of the mixer. Some people are allergic to nickel. Therefore, experts advise buying chrome-plated devices from the best European companies.
Brands
Among quality models, German bathroom faucet manufacturers such as Grohe, Hansgrohe, etc. occupy the highest positions among quality models. You should be careful with cheap Chinese models, as the materials used to make these devices can spoil the quality of water.
Once in a plumbing store, be sure to consult with managers about which faucet is better to buy for the bathroom. Take your time with the choice, because the device is purchased for more than one year of use. If the installation will be done by professionals, then it is better to entrust the selection of equipment to them.
German faucets: advantages and disadvantages
German bathroom faucets, judging by the reviews, are considered the best. But, like the rest of the technique, these devices have certain disadvantages and advantages.
So, the advantages include the following:
- German bathroom faucets are presented in a huge range.
- The products of this country have always been famous for their high quality. Manufacturers have always been meticulous in the selection of materials, as well as the assembly of goods, regardless of the scope of consumption.
- Due to quality, the manufacturer provides a maximum guarantee for products - at least 10 years.
- The adapted design of the models stands out with its modern and concise forms at the same time.
German bathroom faucets have practically no drawbacks, although consumers note in the reviews:
- Limitedthe number of service centers sometimes makes repairing a broken device unacceptable.
- Not all models fit Russian standards.
And the high price of the product, which customers complain about, is due to the use of more expensive materials in the manufacture.
Classification
Described mixers are classified based on configuration:
- Single-lever devices that resemble a simple faucet. It differs in adjusting the supply of hot or cold water with movements to the left or right. The pressure is regulated at the same time by pressing the lever up and down. They are popular for their single-leg design.
- Two valve devices. The main element in them is a faucet box, which allows you to regulate all the incoming water. But this place is the weakest, because it is here that a leak often forms. Finding a spare similar part in domestic stores, judging by the reviews, is quite difficult. The choice should be given to models created from ceramics. However, the two-valve mixer is the cheapest design.
- Contactless German faucets with a shower are the latest luxury in the interior. In them, water is supplied if the hands are brought directly to the tap. In addition, you can easily adjust the temperature with hand movements. Most models of this line are equipped with LED water illumination. By the way, such products, as buyers note, are very sensitive to the quality of the water supplied.
- Thermostatic devices are a special category,allowing you to select and maintain the water temperature mode. The design includes two handles, one of them regulates the pressure, the second sets the desired temperature.
Hansgrohe
German bath and shower faucets are represented on the domestic market by several companies at once. Among them, Hansgrohe is the leader, which has become the progenitor for most of the subsidiaries. This company has been in existence for over 100 years. It has 3 directions in the manufacture of faucets:
- vanguard;
- classic;
- modern.
About 20 years ago, another brand was born under the auspices of this company - Axor. Products of this brand are famous for their author's design. It is represented by whole collections. For example, in the Uno series, there are only wall-mounted devices created by a duo of famous designers.
Grohe
Is one of the largest manufacturers whose products are in demand all over the world. You can choose any German Grohe bathroom faucet you like with temperature control, adjustable water pressure, etc. The company presents a complete range - valve, touch, lever.
The company keeps up with the latest in this industry. So, recently, models equipped with a thermostat have begun to enjoy popularity. In them, before serving, the water is preheated. You can also pick up devices that have no valves or handles at all, while turning off or supplying water is done by means ofballoon.
The advantage of this manufacturer is that its production lines and service centers are located in almost all developed countries. Among the German Grohe mixers for a bathroom with a shower, you can equally choose both expensive exclusive models and low-cost ones. The price range of products on average remains quite acceptable for high quality designs.
Elghansa
This, according to consumers, is the most affordable manufacturer in terms of price. But he also has models that are intended only for exclusive use. With average prices, they have excellent quality.
Availability of spare parts, simplicity of design are the main advantages of this brand. Among Elghansa products, you can, for example, choose German bronze faucets for a bathroom with a retro-style shower, or prefer chrome details.
Kaiser, Kraft, Kludi
Adapted to any style, the design and moderate prices of Kraft faucets have been attracting the domestic consumer for quite some time. Judging by the reviews, this product is very popular due to the presence of a large number of service centers.
Kludi faucets are also distinguished by high functionality and the use of high-quality materials that extend the life of each product.
But Kaiser products cause mixed opinions among domestic consumers. The fact is that a famous brand is very often copied. AtIn this case, the price of copies is no lower than that of the original, but the quality can seriously let the careless buyer down.
Choose mixer
According to experts, slightly inflated prices for German mixers should not be alarming, since high-quality products cannot be cheap. There are a number of criteria to consider when choosing a decent plumbing fixture:
- Most often it is advised to buy products in the middle price range, which makes it possible to avoid overpaying or buying low-quality products.
- Each product must be accompanied by various accompanying documents, as well as quality certificates.
- German faucets are always produced with a wide spout, due to which the container is filled much faster.
- The right model will allow you to choose a consultation with the designer.
- It is also worth considering the quality of accessories, as the smallest detail can visually change the interior.
In addition, it is necessary to select a mixer, understanding the difference between all existing types of locking mechanisms. Since it is these elements that control the flow of water. We will once again dwell on each of them in detail.
Single lever mixers
Today, single-lever German bath mixers with a shower are considered the most reliable and convenient. Here, the water flows are controlled by a ball mechanism or a special removable cartridge. The selection of such a mixer allows you to adjust the temperature of the water and its pressure by moving the handle left-right and up-down. In this design, whilethe possibility of instant water shutoff is provided.
Vent mixers
They were incredibly popular in Soviet construction. These are cranes with lambs, known to everyone since childhood. Here, for any supply of hot or cold water, its own separate tap is installed. Their principle of operation is based on twisting the hole of the screw device, through which water enters. When the faucet is turned off, a hole begins to open, and water enters the bath in a stream. When twisting, feed access is blocked.
Thermostatic taps
It is worth noting that the models of this series have been produced for a long time by well-known manufacturers. Thermostatic faucets are equipped with two handles, while one regulates the water pressure, and the second has a scale to set the required temperature.
The main task of a thermostatic mixer is to supply water with a given pressure and temperature, which do not depend on the temperature in the networks and pressure parameters. The thermostat located in the housing, as well as the pressure sensor, are automatically responsible for performing these tasks in the control unit.
Cascade mixers
In cascade mixers, the internal structure does not differ much from any conventional analogue. There can be provided a ball and valve method of supplying water. Its main difference is the shape and width of the spout, which allows you to get the visual effect of a waterfall when the mixer is on.
Electronic faucets
Such models of faucets belong to the plumbinginnovative fittings, which differ radically from mechanical counterparts. They do not have conventional faucets, handles or valves. It is enough to bring your hands to the device, and water will flow from the tap by itself. This is due to the built-in infrared sensor that reacts to any foreign object. It commands the shut-off valve located here, while the water pressure and temperature are automatically regulated.
